If this is Saturday it must be Belgium, and the latest locale for the Langford-based Canadian men’s rugby team to halt its freefall down the world rankings, following recent defeats against Chile at Valparaiso and Portugal in Lisbon.
Canada had never before lost to either nation and has also never lost to Belgium.
But this is a new era, and not a good one for Canada, as the sport has grown into new frontiers and appears to be leaving behind the world No. 23 Canadians.
That makes the Test this morning at 6 a.m. PT against No. 28 Belgium, at Stade Nelson Mandela in Brussels, almost essential to win in order to stop the slide.
As a sign of the times, Canada has been eliminated from the 2023 World Cup after qualifying for all nine previous editions of the global showcase.
“Our players have remained positive through a tough run of matches,” said Canada head coach Kingsley Jones, in a statement.
“I’ve been really impressed with this group and I am looking forward to seeing how they respond in the final match of the year.”
Jones continues looking to fit together the roster jigsaw for now what will be the distant road ahead in qualifying play for the 2027 World Cup.
Quinn Ngawati of Victoria and Kainoa Lloyd of James Bay Athletic Association will start in Brussels with Lachlan Kratz of Victoria, Josh Larsen of Nanaimo and Foster DeWitt of Courtenay dressed in reserve and available off the bench.
Other starters are Cole Keith, Andrew Quattrin, Tyler Rowland, Kyle Baillie, Lucas Rumball, Michael Smith, Corey Thomas, Jason Higgins, Spencer Jones, Ben LeSage and Brock Webster.
• WOMEN’S NATIONAL TEAM: The roster was announced for No. 3 Canada’s Test match Sunday against No. 1 England at Twickenham Stoop in London. Both sides are favoured for the podium and preparing for the 2022 World Cup in New Zealand.
Canada’s starting roster in London includes Gabrielle Senft of the Castaway Wanderers and University of Victoria Vikes, Emily Belchos de Goede, UVic Vikes-grad Paige Farries and Elissa Alarie, all of Westshore RFC, and Sara Kaljuvee of the UVic Vikes. Dressing in reserve and available off the bench are Renee Gonzalez of UVic and Vikes-grad Pamphinette Buisa.
